I'm only assuming that you're talking about renting since a non-financial background check wouldn't matter to a mortgage lender. What I do know is that Madison is very tenant friendly even despite some changes made to landlord-tenant laws by the state.
There are multiple resources in print and online that will show you what's available for rent. "Good neighborhood" means different things to different people. Typically, I like to ask a beat cop about certain neighborhoods since they are nowhere near bound to restrain their opinions about areas as Realtors are. Good luck.... more

This solution is not for everybody, it's just another angle to look at your situation. I had a friend that bought a run-down, distressed property and during the few years she lived there, she slowly fixed and updated the majority of the house. The updates/repairs/improvements were so vast that she was able to re-sell in a few short years at a profit.

Again, I stress that this is not always an option. Many factors go into whether a house is a viable candidate for a medium term flip and sell. Please conduct more research if you are interested in this option. Good luck.... more

It just depends which areas of Wisconsin or bluff your looking at, there are some very nice areas of these streets and some very bad areas of these streets, there are some large lovely old houses and many are being revitalized, those are old main artery type streets...another area to look at would definatly be Riverside drive that is an old upscale area which has always been very nice, scenic with lovely homes as well as respectable nice residents. there are many areas of Beloit which are very nice and the city has been going thru a complete transformation into a beautiful swan, the hood rats have been gradually leaving towards Janesville and back to Illinois and Beloit has dedicated billionaires which have been pumping much money into town turning the city into one of the most attractive spots in the area. On another positive note Beloit has the Rock river which is more like a large lake much better for boating than areas to the north or south, plus many companies are locating to Beloit from other areas...check it out its worth the investment... more

Can you elaborate? It depends. Your mortgage monthly payment is usually only principle and interest. However, property taxes and insurance can be collected by you monthly and paid on your behalf in your monthly mortgage billing.... more

Ruth, there is actually an avenue all set that can address this. Here in the state of WI you can sign a Buyers Agency Agreement with her (her brokerage) This agreement will have the added benefit for you of having her actually representing your best interest and you can ask her to address the commission she gets on this form. By indicating a higher commission rate on the Buyers Agency Agreement you are actually agreeing to pay the difference at closing. ie - if she (her brokerage) is offered lets say 2% commission by the listing office and you have her put 3% on the Buyers Agency Agreement, you would be accountable for the 1% difference at the close of your purchase. If you think she should have more, this is the perfect avenue.

There will be no worries about what is legal, the IRS and/or licensing issues for her.... more

Best place to start is to hire an Exclusive Buyer Agent. EBAs only work with homebuyers and there is never a conflict of interest that will jeopardize your negotiating position. Visit www.naeba.org for a referral to an Exclusive Buyer's Agent in your area.

I've had a book published on Amazon called Buying a Home: Don't Let Them Make a Monkey Out of You. It'll be the best $6 you've ever spent. Follow the link below.

Hi, There is 1 home that is active at 536 S Blackhawk in Janesville listed for $100,000. The kitchen does not appear to be updated but in good condition. I would be happy to send you the MLS sheet with photos so you can take a look at. Please email me at vlockhart@c21affiliated.com. Thanks, Vickie... more

I would agree with Pamela. This spring was truly a sellers market with all the buyers that suddenly hit the market. Now things have started to taper off a bit as we head into fall, but I'd say the market is still slightly tilted towards the seller's side due to the lower inventory.

You don't get a loan. If you have absolutely no credit, no lender will be able to issue you a loan. If you have poor credit, there is a possibility, but with no credit at all it only equals no loan.... more